Aims: A thin facial bone (<2 mm) overlying maxillary anterior teeth is prone to resorptive processes after extraction and immediate implant placement. A thin bone contributes to risk of bone fenestration, dehiscence, and soft tissue recession.

Objective: This study measured the distance between Cementum–Enamel Junction (CEJ) and alveolar bone crest and the thickness of facial alveolar bone at points 1 to 5 mm from the bone crest for the six maxillary anterior teeth.

Methods: Sixty-six tomographic scans (35 female and 31 male) of intact anterior maxilla were randomly selected (mean age: 39.9 years, range: 17–69) and evaluated by two calibrated and independent examiners.

Results: A high variation of CEJ-bone crest (0.8–7.2 mm) was detected. A significantly larger CEJ bone crest was measured in smokers ( p < 0.05) and patients who were 50 years or older ( p < 0.05). The average bone thickness at 3 mm from the CEJ for maxillary right central incisor was 1.41 mm and for maxillary left central incisor 1.45 mm. For the maxillary right and left lateral incisors, the crestal bone thickness averaged 1.73 mm and 1.59 mm respectively. For the maxillary right and left canines, the crestal bone thickness averaged 1.47 mm and 1.60 mm, respectively.

Conclusion: The present study supports the finding of a predominantly thin facial bone overlying six maxillary anterior teeth. It is therefore essential to make informed treatment decisions based on thorough site evaluation before immediate implant placement.

Conflict of interest: None declared.